"For naval planners the late 19th century was a time of great uncertainty. Gone were the solid days of the line of battle, the broadside of muzzle loading guns, which had determined warship design for three centuries. Instead, the advent of steam power and armour plate, not to mention new weapons such as the torpedo, had opened up fresh possibilities. Engineers had taken over and were presenting the strategists and tacticians with new kinds of ship, and many were the theories as to how the vessels should best be used. The little combat experience available was analysed, and conclusions drawn, often quite erroneous as latter events showed, for example, the idea that future fleet actions would involve ships wheeling and manoeuvring to attack opponents with their rams."